Bolsa Chica State Beach

17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Three miles of state beach between Huntington and Sunset — quieter than Huntington Beach proper, fire rings allowed in the evening (a rare SoCal beach allowing this), and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve salt marsh across the highway is a top California birdwatching site.

Eats & Drinks 2 Shops 2

Great day for a beach walk.

72°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

  • 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 72°F water — swimmable, refreshing
74 /100
great
72 Swim
72 Sunbathe
81 Walk
78 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
91°F
Sunny
Wind
10 mph
S
Rain
4%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
Peaks 02 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Sunny
Water Temp
72°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
8:45 PM
6.4 ft · in 1.5h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
13s · SSW swell
Sunrise
6:31 AM
Sunset
7:07 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
2:51 AM Low -0.7 ft
9:12 AM High 5.0 ft
2:40 PM Low 1.3 ft
8:45 PM High 6.4 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
91°

Sunny

4%
74
Thu Sep 10
81°

Sunny

1%
84
Fri Sep 11
78°

Patchy Fog then Sunny

0%
84
Sat Sep 12
75°

Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

0%
83
Sun Sep 13
74°

Sunny

0%
83
Mon Sep 14
73°

Sunny

0%
81
Tue Sep 15
73°

Sunny

0%
81
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

State lots along PCH; $15/day.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on the beach.

Entry Fee

$15/vehicle.

Address

17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersfire ringscampground (Sunset Beach side)wildlife reserve nearby
Is it safe to swim at Bolsa Chica State Beach today?

Bolsa Chica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Bolsa Chica State Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on the beach.

Is there an entry fee at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

$15/vehicle.

Are there lifeguards at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bolsa Chica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

Amenities at Bolsa Chica State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings, campground (Sunset Beach side), wildlife reserve nearby.

When is the water warmest at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.

Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?

Bolsa Chica State Beach is in Orange County, CA, at 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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